Growing Broccoli

Brassica sp. : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      T                
    P P                

(Best months for growing Broccoli in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 45°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 14 - 20 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-16 weeks. Cut flowerhead off with a knife..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumber, onions, marigold, nasturtium, rhubarb, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, oregano)
  • Avoid growing close to: Climbing (pole) beans, tomato, peppers (chilli, capsicum), eggplant (aubergine), strawberry, mustard

Your comments and tips

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15 Sep 08, Alex (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My brocolli is about ready to harvest - how low should I cut it to encourage another head to grow?
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05 Sep 08, dennis gibson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what to plant after broccoli
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17 Jan 18, Doug (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi All, I live in Bundaberg & planted tomatoes as a beginner & they went berserk with lots of fruit. I am considering trying broccoli as my next attempt. My garden used to be an old sandpit, with the sand removed i filled it with garden soil & ginger compost. I intend to make it a bit deeper than the 200mm as is, but am open to whether or not I need too for broccoli. Also if anyone can tell me what pests i may get up here to be aware of. Many Blessings to all growers,
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27 Aug 08, Addy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mands, interesting to read that you have been picking broc for 18 mths! Guess that's due to your temperate weather. Here in Brisbane, I've been picking my broccolini stems for about 2 months now, wonder how long they'll last?
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26 Aug 08, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
Just planted broccoli seedlings 1st time. If they are successful, can I take new seeds from them for a future crop?
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05 Jul 14, Dave (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there,can I grow broccoli in Perth during winter?Though it's quite cold this winter we are still getting lots of sunny days.The frost hasn't seemed bad as yet and I was thinking of putting some clear plastic over them also.
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19 Aug 08, Jan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm a first time broccoli grower. Planted seedlings 10 weeks ago. Very healthy. Have 2" single heads at present. How do I cut them and at what size is best? Nothing attacking....yet. Planted next to parsley,shallots, same age eggplant, garlic chives and silverbeet. Oregano not far away. Saw 1 cabbage moth fly around them yesterday. Sprinkled Blood and Bone over garden a week ago and a small amount of watered down old horse manure ( from the nearby Pony Club. Is there anything more I should do? Buying mushroom compost this Thursday.
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13 Aug 08, Helen (Australia - tropical climate)
I've planted some broccoli from seedling 2 months ago. The stems were growing strong and healthy but there is no broccoli even they reach 1 meter high. What did I do wrong?
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06 Aug 08, josie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My broccoli have gone from juvenile heads to spreading out and flowering in a week. What have I done wrong?
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03 Aug 08, ~Mands! :o) (Australia - temperate climate)
Barbara ~ thanks for responding. They don't look like they are eating the broccoli head - more nestled in the leaves, stalks and florets in a web. I had a suggestion of using soapy water, which I have done to a few but they didn't seem to just 'fall off' and might need a flush and brush approach. The broc is now at 18 months of cutting, in with tomatoes actually so there might be something in the deterrent there as this started as the tomato all died back (I have injured my back, not in the garden as much) Chooks were more interested in the worms in the dirt, than the bugs.
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GREEN CATERPILLARS; these are from the white cabbage butterflies. The best organic method to this problem is to make lightweight frames of chicken wire. The butterlies are too large to get through and land on the leaves to lay their eggs.

- Peter

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